In an eventful match at the King Power Stadium, Chelsea’s Women’s Super League (WSL) aspirations faced a setback as they played to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leicester City. The clash marked the end of Chelsea’s impressive start to the domestic season, where they had enjoyed a 100% winning record prior to this encounter. Under the guidance of manager Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea aimed to secure an eight-point lead at the top of the league table but ended up settling for just a single point as they failed to convert their numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
Leicester City began the match with a tough position, sitting on five points and tied with Crystal Palace at the bottom of the table. From the outset, Leicester demonstrated tenacity and resilience, taking the lead surprisingly early in the match. Missy Goodwin, who came on as a substitute for the injured Deanne Rose, stunned Chelsea by scoring just 20 minutes into the game, against the run of play. The goal not only marked a pivotal moment for Leicester but also represented a significant milestone, as it was the first time they had scored at home against Chelsea in WSL history. Additionally, it was the first occurrence this season in which the defending champions did not secure an early lead.
Despite controlling possession and launching several attacks, Chelsea’s performance was marked by a lack of spark and composure in front of goal. The visitors were unable to find their rhythm as Leicester held firm, demonstrating strong defensive organization. Chelsea’s keeper, Hannah Hampton, faced a moment of crisis when she almost fumbled a simple catch, which could have allowed Leicester to double their lead. Fortunately for Chelsea, she managed to reclaim the ball before the hosts could exploit the error.
As the game progressed, Chelsea’s attacking duo of Mayra Ramirez and Guro Reiten was dynamic and vibrant, pushing to create chances. However, the Blues’ struggles persisted into the second half, as they continued to confront a resolute Leicester defense. It wasn’t until the 77th minute that Chelsea managed to level the match, as Wieke Kaptein executed a well-timed strike from outside the box, bringing the score to 1-1. This moment reignited Chelsea’s hopes of finding a winning goal as they intensified their attacking effort late in the game.
The match climaxed with Chelsea earning a total of 20 corners; however, most of these opportunities went uncapitalized. The best chance to secure a late win came during stoppage time when substitute Alejandra Bernabe narrowly missed scoring after turning a cross from Catarina Macario just past the post. In a final push, Lucy Bronze found herself in a scoring position but directed her header straight into the hands of Janina Leitzig, Leicester’s goalkeeper, who had an impressive performance throughout the match.
With the game’s conclusion, Chelsea exhibited visible disappointment at securing their first dropped points of the season, while Leicester celebrated a hugely positive result, having escaped the relegation zone. The Foxes now find themselves in 10th place, tied on six points with teams like Everton and Aston Villa, showing signs of competitiveness and resilience. Meanwhile, Chelsea continues to lead the league, although their lead could be reduced to just three points should Manchester City emerge victorious against Everton in the upcoming match.
As the excitement of the WSL unfolds, it’s also noteworthy that TNT Sports will be airing over 500 matches from major European football competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, during the 2024-25 season. For fans in the UK, discovery+ remains the go-to streaming platform, offering a comprehensive subscription service that includes TNT Sports alongside other entertainment options.
